gun1官
Jyutpinggun1
Yalegūn
Definition
Government official; a representative with public power who handles administrative affairs for the government.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Refers specifically to a person holding a position of authority within the government hierarchy. While it can be used in modern contexts, it often carries a slightly formal or historical weight compared to the more neutral 官員. It is frequently used in idioms or critical commentary regarding bureaucracy and power dynamics.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been a government official for many years and is very experienced.
Do you really think being a government official is that easy?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to any employee of a public institution, as it specifically implies an official with administrative power or a high-ranking status. Using it for low-level clerks or service staff sounds unnatural or even sarcastic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
